Dear First Pres,
Lent has begun. We launched with a powerful Ash Wednesday service last night. Geraud Brumfield preached from Habakkuk 1 and reminded us that God is with us in every circumstance, even if we don’t see or experience Him in the midst of it. So, in this Lenten season - a season set aside for prayer, fasting, service and the shedding of sin - Geraud asked us to consider where we are looking. Are we just looking at all that is wrong in the world or in our lives? Or, are we looking to the Lord who promised Habakkuk that He would do something Habakkuk would not believe even if he were told ahead of time?
So, Beloved, how are you setting this season aside in a special way? I was sharing with someone last night that these days of Lent aren’t any more special than any other days of the year. What makes them unique is what we choose to do in the midst of them. What makes them unique is the practice of fasting and prayer or the taking on of another spiritual discipline. How will you lean into this season of prayer, fasting, service and the shedding of sin? How will you make these days unique in the midst of 2022?
One way that you can lean into the season of prayer is by using the Seek God for the City prayer guide. I have loved this resource over these last ten years as it directs my prayers in ways that I probably wouldn’t have found on my own. Every day of Lent it provides Scripture, prayers, and areas of focus (both geographical and sociological). If you don’t have a prayer guide, you might find one on Sunday morning in the Sanctuary. However, most of them are already distributed. The best bet would be to purchase the app for your phone or download the digital version at waymakers.org.
Maybe for you, this season of Lent is about stepping into a covenant relationship with your church. This Saturday, I’m launching the Exploring Membership class for those interested in learning what it means to be an Active Member of our congregation. The class will meet on two upcoming Saturday mornings – March 5 & 19, from 9 am to Noon. If you would ike to sign up please click HERE.
Maybe for you, this season of Lent is about finding a way to step into service in the name of Jesus. I found it interesting that one of the areas of prayer in today’s Seek God for the City guide is to pray for those who are homeless. One way to put that prayer into physical action is to join with the guys who are jumping into service. This Saturday morning several FPCers will be working inside the PreFab Innovations tiny home factory downtown, helping to build tiny homes for people who were formerly homeless but are not stabilized. Our labor reduces the cost of each of these beautiful units. The work starts at 8:30 am with breakfast and lunch provided. You can register via eventbrite.com.
May the Lord draw our attention to Him today for the sake of what He wants to do in this special season.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy
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